Seawolf/Nanook plane added to Era fleet

The friendly intrastate sports rivalry between the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks reached new heights when Era Alaska added a newly painted Bombardier Dash-8 to its fleet in May.

One side of the active-service aircraft is UAA green and gold with the Seawolf mascot; the other side sports UAF blue and gold with the Nanook mascot. The 34-passenger plane is a new addition to the Era Alaska fleet and will carry passengers to and from Alaska’s cities and rural villages.

Era Alaska covered the cost of painting the plane in support of the aeronautics-based curricula and intercollegiate athletics programs at both universities.

Celebrations in Fairbanks and Anchorage on Friday recognized Era’s gift and allowed university and community officials to see the new aircraft. Era Alaska has been a longtime Seawolf athletics corporate partner.

“The aviation degree programs offered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage are a critical component to the success of our airline in the future,” said Era Alaska CEO Bob Hajdukovich. “This aircraft underscores the value of the partnership and synergy between Era, UAF and UAA. We look forward to this beautiful aircraft highlighting the UAF Nanook and the UAA Seawolf everywhere Era flies.”

“I am thrilled to see this partnership between UAA, UAF and Era Alaska become a reality,” said UAA Chancellor Tom Case. “The newly painted Seawolf/Nanook plane is an excellent testament to the outstanding universities we have here in Alaska. It’s an honor that Era Alaska has chosen to represent us in this way."